Jerry Jones: ‘We’re pretty satisfied that we’re improving our team’

IRVING , Texas — The most publicized days of the NFL Draft have been completed and the Dallas Cowboys have three new names on their roster.

Offensive tackle, inside linebacker and running back were the positions selected between Thursday’s first round and Friday’s second and third rounds.

And whether or not outsiders are impressed with the three selections, owner and general manager Jerry Jones sounded enthused while speaking to the media Friday night at Valley Ranch.

“These picks really do go right to areas that we’re pretty satisfied that we’re improving our team, in terms of need and in terms of … this upcoming year,” he said.

Tyron Smith, the No. 9 overall pick on Thursday, was in the building earlier in the day, meeting with reporters and holding up his new No. 77 Cowboys jersey for photographers.

“I’m here to learn … and help them win Super Bowls,” the 6-5, 310-pound offensive tackle said while looking over at Jones and head coach Jason Garrett, who were seated to his left.

The 20-year-old not only filled a need, but gave the Cowboys an athletic blocker that they envision as Tony Romo’s protector for the remainder of the quarterback’s career in Dallas.

Smith, from USC, was so impressive during pre-draft workouts that Jones went against making the flashy pick and did something he has never done as owner of the team — choose an offensive lineman in the first round.

“Obviously when you watch Tyron on tape its hard not to like what you see,” Garrett said Friday. “He’s an outstanding run blocker and an outstanding pass protector.”

The Cowboys certainly added one thing on Day 2 and that was speed. North Carolina inside linebacker Bruce Carter and Oklahoma running back DeMarco Murray were selected in the second and third rounds, respectively.

Carter, the No. 40 overall pick, comes with some risk. After suffering a late-season anterior cruciate ligament injury, the 6-2, 230-pounder was unable to work out for teams before the draft.

Jones understands that the left knee injury is cause for concern, however, he decided to roll the dice on a player he believes would’ve went in the first round had it not been for the setback.

“We are counting on him to be a very big contributor this year,” Jones said.

The Cowboys owner and general manager said Thursday that he liked the running backs that remained on his draft board at the conclusion of the first round. Jones was such a fan of Murray that he considered pulling the trigger on the Oklahoma back in the second round. Fortunately for Jones, Murray was still there at No. 71.

“The highest guy on our board when we drafted him was DeMarco Murray, by a round,” Jones revealed.

The 6-0, 214-pound halfback is known for his power, blocking and catching ability, making him a great threat on third downs.

Garrett called Murray “a complete back.”

Both Carter and Murray should be counted on to make significant contributions on special teams. Murray returned punts at OU and Carter was effective at blocking kicks while at UNC.

Perhaps there were other areas of need, cornerback, safety and defensive line come to mind, but it appears that Jones just could not pass on what Carter and Murray brought to the table.

“I think it was more about taking the circumstances of the draft,” Jones said. “I think it’s more about what these players are than about we weren’t looking at other positions.